$show=/p/fifa-world-cup.html

Christian Benteke Joins Liverpool

SHARE:

Belgian striker Christian Benteke has officially completed his transfer to Liverpool, with the fee said to be priced at £32.5 million.

The 24-year old had previously been on the radar of Manchester United, but those links died down and Liverpool have snapped up Benteke from Aston Villa. After the dramatic departure of Villa's former captain Fabian Delph, boss Tim Sherwood had expressed his desire to retain Benteke. However, the club were unable to prevent his departure after Liverpool activated his £32.5m release clause.
In his 101 appearances for Aston Villa, the 24-year old impressed immensely with a total of 49 goals.

Since his debut, only world class strikers Sergio Aguero (55), Luis Suarez (53) and Robin van Persie (44) have scored more times than Benteke.

The £32.5m transfer is set to become Liverpool's second highest purchase under Andy Carroll, while Benteke also pens a big five-year contract at Anfield.
Aston Villa signed the Belgian international from Genk for £7m in 2012, and the departure of their star striker will earn them a solid £25.5m profit.
Benteke is Brendan Rodgers' sixth summer transfer, but also understood to be his last as Liverpool prepare for the new Premier League season.